Search results

This article presents a method of management of the initial spare parts supply. This generic problem is of particular interest in certain systems in which the difficulty of accessibility or the life cycle duration constitute risks tied to the possible depletion of the spare parts stock. In this paper we consider the spatial context. After having commented on the particularities of the management of the spare parts supply of a space station, we propose a method based on the minimization of the risk of postponement of a maintenance operation. Finally, an application to the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station is presented.

The work deals with the topic of spare parts management in a space system. The paper is divided into three parts. The first one is dedicated to the characterization of the system structure and presents the particularities related to the spare‐elements procurement. Modelling is the object of the second part. After having exposed the bases of the problem to be solved, a macro‐model is introduced. Each of the three elements of an orbital system, namely ground, flying and transport, is then described with a Petri net. Operation specificities of every element are then listed and integrated into the model. A concrete application of this modelling is given in the last part. It concerns the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station. A representative function is selected and several supply strategies are evaluated.